“Canberrans love their cats, dogs and other animals, and yet we have a situation where literally thousands of animals are abandoned, mistreated, and euthanised in the ACT every year,” Ms Le Couteur said.

“This legislation is the culmination of a year’s worth of work and consultation. We are releasing the bill as an exposure draft to the community until next February.

“The public is becoming more aware of the poor conditions in which many animals are being bred and sold, particularly through the work of animal welfare organisations. They have exposed serious animal welfare concerns both at intensive puppy breeding facilities, as well as at pet stores.

Michael Linke, CEO of the ACT RSPCA said: “I am really pleased that The Greens are taking animal welfare seriously. This legislation addresses a number of our concerns and supports our philosophy regarding the sale and licensing of companion animals.”

“My legislation aims to end the dumping and killing of so many companion animals, and the cruel mass breeding practices that support parts of the pet industry,” Ms Le Couteur concluded.